Clearing the Path

I love coming to work because I make a difference in the lives of our children.  I received the following letter from a student today.  This will go in my happy file, and it will keep me going when I… Continue Reading →

The link below is to a 37 page “Dear Colleague” letter released by the Federal Department of Education Office of Civil Rights yesterday. I think the most interesting point in the letter  is that unintentional discrimination becomes intentional if it… Continue Reading →

I finally took the first steps in assembling my rock star staff for Shaw.  The number of vacancies (it is now down to 20)  we need to fill is certainly a challenge, but I must admit it is a very… Continue Reading →

Just four years ago, I remember sitting on the other side of the principal’s desk as an assistant principal and being told that it was the Principal’s decision to have me moved to another elementary school as AP.  We would simply… Continue Reading →

A leader must strive to continuously improve, and should take a 360 degree approach to leadership.  It is easy to lead those who are following you, but we should also be willing to lead those we follow.  We must also… Continue Reading →

Friday night I had the pleasure of attending the annual banquet presented by the Hillsborough County Elementary Music Education Council with Juan Rios, Cannella’s talented music teacher. I was honored to be presented with their Elementary Principal of the Year… Continue Reading →

The end of the year is always a hectic time, and I always seem to lose track of it.  In fact, earlier this week I thought teacher appreciation week was two weeks away until my AP kindly pointed out on… Continue Reading →

Last year around this time I started the Complaint Free World Challenge.  The goal is to make it 21 straight days without complaining, criticizing, gossiping, or using sarcasm.  It is a very difficult challenge.  I was so proud of myself… Continue Reading →

Below is a letter I wrote to give to my staff for Valentine’s Day.  I’m glad I took the time to write it because it helped me refocus myself on the great people I get to work with every day…. Continue Reading →

Once again I was boggled today when someone from outside the school just couldn’t seem to understand why I wasn’t going to let him go into different classrooms to do measurements.  I politely said we can’t do that during the… Continue Reading →